Zhu Mo patiently explained concepts like goodwill and trademarks. As for contract law and similar matters, they were too profound for them, and the Dali Temple officials couldn't possibly expect them to adjudicate contract disputes.
At this thought, he couldn't help but shake his head and sigh inwardly.
For the Great Ming to be revitalized, a complete system was needed, which was incredibly difficult given the backwardness of their concepts. Currently, it seemed they could only prioritize establishing a patent system—a pressing matter, at least to protect his own ventures.
With this in mind, he immediately had an idea and said, "My elder brothers, to be frank, I'm waiting for the court's stance. Once the court approves my ideas, I'll submit a memorial suggesting the establishment of a 'Ministry of Commerce'..."
Ministry of Commerce?
The old Taoist and Li San were once again bewildered.
Li San pondered for a moment and asked curiously, "You mean, establishing a separate ministry to manage merchants?"
As they spoke, they both felt the matter was rather amusing, almost like a game.
Zhu Mo stated seriously, "Please don't misunderstand, this is no joke. You don't realize how developed commerce and industry are in the Great Ming, yet they contribute little to the court. Why? Because the court consistently suppresses merchants instead of devising strategies for them to serve the court."
Upon hearing this, the old Taoist felt displeased, deeming the words somewhat radical. He subtly signaled Li San, who then said, "This is indeed interesting... Young Master Zhu, merchants are notoriously slippery; it's likely impossible to get them to serve the country, isn't it?"
Zhu Mo smiled and replied, "That's because you don't know how to manage them! Managing merchants is simple; the most important thing is to provide them with a favorable environment first. It's like raising fish; you need water first. If your water is abundant and good, the fish will naturally grow fat. Once your fish are fat and numerous, the food you eat and sell will naturally become cheaper. Isn't that the logic?
Therefore, my Ministry of Commerce is for nurturing fish. When merchants flourish and make more money, wouldn't the court's tax revenue increase? This is no small sum, and it's much better than squeezing the farmers, wouldn't you agree?"
Hearing the words "squeezing the farmers," the old Taoist blushed and awkwardly chuckled, "That cannot be called squeezing... Who doesn't pay the imperial grain and taxes? Moreover—"
He originally intended to continue, but recalling how Zhu Mo had raised over ten million taels of silver in Jiangnan, he saw the truth in his words. This source of wealth was truly reliable. In the past, they chased after farmers for meager rations, not only alienating the populace but also proving to be financially unsustainable, leaving the court increasingly in dire straits.
At this thought, he let out a long sigh and said, "You are right! Speaking with Young Master Zhu always provides a moment of enlightenment. Although I've remained detached, I also feel that the Great Ming truly needs a thorough change. Otherwise, after we old fellows pass on, the situation might be quite different..."
"Indeed, who can say otherwise..."
Li San also mused, feeling that this method was thorough and an unprecedented wise strategy. However, it was like a faint light in the darkness, and he wasn't sure if the path was correct, but they could only proceed.
Initially, they hadn't understood his memorial. Although the old Taoist was intelligent, he grasped some parts but was filled with doubts about the details. However, after hearing his explanation just now, he finally understood, and his previous understanding of governance had been profoundly mistaken.
At this moment, Zhu Mo poured tea for both of them and then saw them off back to their temple.
That night, he slept soundly in a large bedroom, unaware of time passing.
...
Meanwhile, the Yan manor was anything but peaceful.
Yan Shifan's suppressed anger of over a month finally erupted.
The sound of crashing objects was incessant. The servants, who had enjoyed a few days of peace, were now again filled with trepidation and kept their distance.
Yan Song had tried to persuade him several times but forcibly restrained himself.
This matter was too humiliating!
Following the incident where "Yan manor guards robbed Yan Maoqing," the Yan family had suffered another heavy blow!
Over nine hundred thousand taels of silver had been forcefully confiscated. Added to the over one million robbed from Yan Maoqing, it amounted to over two million taels—half of the entire empire's annual income for the Great Ming!
Old Yan Song, at eighty-two, still felt his heart pound when he recalled it, allowing his son to rage at Gao Hanwen.
This young man, usually so astute, how did he fall into such a major trap this time? As an official of the court, he still held shares? Couldn't he have found someone else to hold them for him? Wasn't this utter foolishness?
If he were twenty years younger, he would replace all his subordinates; not a single incompetent person would be kept!
But now, with his son at the helm, these old guards had followed him for decades. The new talents hadn't joined the Yan family in vain; they had invested real silver. The situation was different from the past.
Considering this, Yan Song patiently said, "Shifan, forget it, stop your cursing. Moqing was also momentarily negligent, and besides, his family's silver was the larger portion; you only had a smaller share. Moqing, you don't need to be afraid. We will reclaim this loss. I'll compensate you later! And you all, don't be afraid. Tell your subordinates that the Yan family's ship is just experiencing a bit of turbulence. If anyone wants to disembark, speak up early!"
At this point, Yan Song's tone had become quite stern.
Judging by their understanding of him, this was a critical moment. Whenever such times arose, Yan Song would address his own people in this manner, with the unspoken implication being—
The Yan family will not fall! Anyone who dares to undermine us is an enemy of the Yan family!
The subordinates immediately bowed their heads and shouted their assent, feeling a surge of strength from within. Since Old Yan Song had spoken thus, he would definitely reclaim their losses. For twenty years as Grand Secretary, Yan Song had never broken his word!
"Now, the most important thing is silence! Silence, do you understand? Do not act rashly. Be patient and wait. Wait for what? Wait for him to make a mistake! Wait for him to slip up!"
"Yes, your subordinate understands!"
"Furthermore, Shifan, we must investigate further! Last time, you didn't investigate thoroughly. You still don't know their background..."
Yan Shifan did not retort this time, sighing, "My father is right. We have eaten too much muck over the years... everyone's brain has become muddled! Last time I said to investigate, and they just made up some nonsense excuse to report back. How could something like this not happen? From now on, all of you, wake up! If anything more embarrassing happens, I won't let him off lightly!"
Hiss—
This time, everyone truly felt the pressure and gasped.
Yan Song nodded and grunted, "There is one more thing we must do first: maintain good relations with the princes, interact with them, and gather information. The Emperor is old, and the succession is the most critical matter. We absolutely must not offend Prince Yu; we must make him trust us, understand?"
Before he finished speaking, Yan Shifan suddenly recalled something and said, "Father, speaking of Prince Yu, there's been a strange occurrence recently... His eunuch, Feng Bao, visited our house a few days ago at the teahouse opposite. I sent Yan Fu to meet him. That Feng Bao was very peculiar. He didn't say a word but ordered the most expensive tea and snacks, totaling over twenty taels. He then left without paying. Yan Fu tried to stop him, but I held him back."